Tahoe Maritime Museum

Living history – it’s the tagline of the Tahoe Maritime Museum in Homewood.
Most of the vessels on display continue to ply the waters of Lake Tahoe. Miss Tessa, a 1930 Dodge, was on display when the 5,800-square-foot facility opened a year ago this month. In 2007, it churned the waters during the annual Concours d’Elegance.
The exterior of the building is reminiscent of an old boat house. The interior of the two-story structure next to Homewood Ski Resort is open and airy.
Watercraft on display is rotated. Boats not in Homewood are stored at the museum’s annex in Truckee.
It’s an ideal outing for families because of the rich history depicted in seeing old vessels, as well as the display cases that change to keep the museum fresh, the simulator that demonstrates commandeering a boat on Tahoe, the motors filling one wall, activities corner for kids, old tools and other exhibits.
A 1922 Chris-Craft called “Godfather” was the sixth boat produced that year. It’s part of the museum collection. History about Gar Wood and Chris Craft are on display.
Two hydroplane boats are on a wall. Racing those boats used to be a big sport at the Lake. A rowing skiff from the 1960s is propped against one wall looks like it would have been one of heck of a workout to power it across the water.
For information, go to www.TahoeMaritimeMuseum.org or call (530) 525-9253.